Chennai Metro Water serves notice to 520 over illegal pumps

Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board has cracked down on residents illegally installing booster pumps on water mains. The board served notices to 520 households across the city, warning them to remove the pumps or face legal consequences.

Why the crackdown

Illegal booster pumps are a growing problem in Chennai's water supply network. Residents install these pumps to draw water directly from the mains, often leaving neighbouring homes without adequate supply. This practice violates the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Act.

Metro Water officials said the notices were issued after a recent survey. Complaints from residents about low water pressure prompted the drive. Many areas in the city already face water scarcity, and these illegal pumps worsen the situation.

What the notices say

The notices ask residents to remove the pumps within a specified period. Failure to comply will result in disconnection of water supply and legal action. Officials have warned that repeat offenders could face fines or prosecution.

Sources said the board is also considering a permanent solution. This includes stricter enforcement during new connections and regular inspections. The current drive is expected to cover other parts of the city in the coming weeks.

Residents respond

Some residents argued that they installed pumps because of low pressure from the board's supply. However, officials countered that such individual actions disrupt the entire network. They urged residents to report pressure issues instead of taking matters into their own hands.

Metro Water has also advised residents to use storage tanks to manage supply. The board said it is working on improving infrastructure to ensure equitable distribution.

Broader context

Chennai has faced acute water shortages in recent years. The city relies heavily on groundwater and reservoirs, which are often insufficient. Illegal pumping exacerbates the problem by depriving other areas of their share.

The board has previously taken similar action, but the scale of this drive is notable. Officials said they will continue monitoring and will not hesitate to act against violators.

Residents who received notices have been given a chance to regularise their connections. But those who installed pumps without authorisation will have to remove them. The board has set a deadline for compliance.

Metro Water plans to review the situation after the deadline. If violations persist, it may escalate enforcement. The goal is to ensure fair access to water for all Chennai residents.

The board has also urged the public to report illegal installations through its helpline. This collaborative approach, officials believe, will help maintain the integrity of the water supply network.